The death toll from the tragic road crash on the Kagadi-Fortportal road has reached 18, following the recent passing of two additional victims at Kagadi General Hospital on Monday morning.
Another individual lost their life while being transported to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialized treatment. The fatal accident took place at 8:30pm on Sunday night near River Muzizi in Muhorro Town Council, Kagadi district.
The collision involved a trailer registration number UAD 431Q, which was loaded with fish, and a taxi registered as UBM 426V, traveling from Fort Portal to Kagadi district. Initially, fifteen individuals lost their lives at the scene of the accident.
Allan Julius Hakiza the PRO Albertine region says that preliminary investigations conducted by the police indicate that the trailer experienced a mechanical problem, resulting in brake failure while negotiating a sharp corner, leading to the collision with the oncoming taxi.
The police have since identified 14 of the accident victims as follows: Jovia Tusiime (31) from Pacwa in Kagadi, Irene Abitekaniza (28) from Kyakabugaya, Ruth Mbabazi (29) from Kagadi, Joyce Kubanza (24) from Kyatika, Kushabara Turyamushanga (56) from Kinyarwanda, Agness Komujuni (22) from Fort Portal, Esther Aheebwa (29) from Kibito in Bunyangabo, Oliver Basemera (33) from Kyenjojo, and John Wako (29) from Kisaru in Kikuube district.
The other victims are Henry Kasaija (58) from Fort Portal, Agness Kebirungi (30) from Kabarole, Pius Bisoborwa (40) from Kikuube, Nuriat Ategeka (32) from Katika, and Coleb Baingana (27) from Nyakatunzi in Kasese district. At present, three bodies remain unclaimed at the Kagadi General Hospital mortuary, and efforts are ongoing to establish their identities.
Some injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at different healthcare facilities. Among them are Itungu Peruth (60) from Kasese, Bwambale Kiwoma (44) from Kyabarungita in Kasese, and Peter Mudoore.
Hakiza has stated that the police have been collaborating closely with the families of the deceased to identify the accident victims and provide profiles for them. The bodies that have been identified have been released to their respective families to facilitate burial arrangements.
